Zina's POV
The next morning, the sun filtered through my bedroom curtains, waking me up way too early. I groaned, turning over and pulling the blanket over my head. My brain felt foggy from everything that happened last night. The talk with Vanessa, the weird memory of Jared, and then the creepy note—I hadn't slept well, and now my head was pounding.
But then, a small voice outside my door broke through my grogginess.
"Mom! Are you awake?" Asher's voice was like an alarm clock I couldn't snooze.
I sighed and sat up, rubbing my eyes. "Yeah, I'm up!" I called back, even though I really wasn't.
The door burst open, and Asher came flying in, already dressed in his school uniform. His tie was crooked, and one of his socks didn't match the other, but he looked proud of himself.
"Look! I got ready all by myself!" he announced, grinning from ear to ear.
I couldn't help but smile. "You did great, buddy. But let me fix your tie, okay?"
